More networking on water issues in pipeline for Asia-Pac

18 June 2007 (CNA)

SINGAPORE: More Asians should get access to safe water and better sanitation following the signing of a partnership agreement to promote knowledge-sharing and networking.

PUB Singapore, the Asian Development Bank and UNESCO-IHE inked the deal in Amsterdam last Friday (15 June 07).

It will result in the setting up of a network of knowledge hubs in the region, reviewing of water capacity development experiences and the development of publications of water topics.

The agreement comes under the Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF), an independent, not-for-profit, non-political network.

Its aim is to encourage more collaborative efforts on water resources management and to accelerate the effective integration of water resources management with the socio-economic development process of the Asia Pacific region.

The APWF was mooted by water ministers of the Asia-Pacific region during the 4th World Water Forum in Mexico in March 2006 and was formed the following September.

Under the agreement, PUB is taking the lead in water resource management.

It will use the WaterHub located in Toh Tuck as a knowledge hub which brings technology, learning and networking under one roof for the water industry.

PUB Chief Executive Khoo Teng Chye says Singapore hopes to share its experience in integrated water management and the solutions which its water industry can provide to meet various water challenges.

On its part, the Asian Development Bank says it is committed to boosting investments in the water sector to S$2 billion annually for the period 2006-2010 and deliver access to safe water and sanitation up to 200 million people. - CNA/yy